A ten Day Itinerary Down Sweden’s Coast

There’s nothing like Sweden in the summertime. Mild hangs within the air for hours, boats nostril by way of island-studded bays, and cafés spill onto sidewalks as Swedes make the most of the fleeting heat climate. 

With a lot of the 12 months spent within the chilly and darkish, the unending mild that summer time brings doesn’t go to waste. Whether or not it’s on the numerous islands that dot the nation’s coast, at their rustic cabins within the woods, or lounging within the metropolis parks, Swedes flock outside.

I’ve been to Sweden many occasions (together with spending a whole summer time in Stockholm) however have all the time centered on the southern a part of the nation. Nonetheless, with a want to see one thing totally different this go to, I made a decision to discover the north, beginning on the high in Luleå and dealing my day down. 

If you wish to get off the overwhelmed path in Sweden, this itinerary will get you out of the primary vacationer hubs and highlights the less-touristy facet of the nation. Right here’s my advised 10-day itinerary:

Day 1 & 2: Luleå

Luleå is dwelling to simply 50,000 folks and is the final “massive” metropolis within the north earlier than you get into Lapland (the northernmost area of the nation and residential to the indigenous Sami). Town doesn’t take lengthy to see however the surrounding space is what most guests come for. It’s identified for the Gammelstad Church City in addition to its numerous and expansive panorama, starting from dense forests and tranquil lakes to an archipelago that has over 1,300 islands!

Right here’s my advised issues to see and do in Luleå:

The Archipelago – Luleå’s archipelago is a hotspot through the summer time. A lot of folks come from the south to remain right here and you’ll lounge on seashores, go sea kayaking, boating, and mountain climbing and space locals spend many weekends right here to make the most of the great climate. The preferred islands are Kluntarna, Brändöskär, Junkön, and Småskär.

Gammelstad Church City – Gammelstad Church City has over 400 purple picket cottages surrounding Fifteenth-century church. It was initially constructed as in a single day lodging for parishioners who traveled lengthy distances and affords a glimpse into Sweden’s rural previous. You may wander by way of slender lanes with well-preserved cottages, see the medieval stone church, and be taught in regards to the traditions of church cities.

Gammelstadsviken – Gammelstadsviken is a nature reserve with a big freshwater lake and huge marshlands and probably the greatest birdwatching spots in Sweden as over 80 totally different species dwell right here. There’s a number of trails to select from and it’s not too removed from Lulea.

Norrbotten Museum – This museum showcases the area’s tradition and historical past. It’s a small, free museum with shows from Sami tradition to industrial heritage that provides you a well-rounded image of northern Sweden.

Hike – Summer time is the right season for mountain climbing in and round Luleå. The world has quite a few trails that are perfect for easy-going day hikes, and Go to Luleå supplies a wonderful mountain climbing information that will help you select a route. A number of advised hikes are Hertsöleden (straightforward, 8km), Fäbodaleden (intermediate, 10km), and Vitån (difficult, 12km).

The Ice Monitor – In winter, a six-kilometer ice observe is made across the metropolis middle. You may skate or kicksled round it. The observe is free to make use of and is rigorously maintained all through the winter. Kicksleds are free to borrow as nicely.

The place to Keep in Luleå – Clarion Lodge Sense is an inexpensive lodge proper within the middle of city. The rooms are cozy, there’s a number of area, and the breakfast buffet has every little thing you can ever need. There’s even a gymnasium too.

In the event you’re searching for a superb place to eat, the harbor has a variety of good eating places. I significantly loved Bistron.

Day 3 & 4: Umeå

Head south 4 hours to Umeå. Based in 1622 by Swedish King Gustav II Adolf, Umeå is the cultural capital of northern Sweden. It’s now a metropolis of 100,000 folks identified for its large college (virtually a 3rd of the town’s inhabitants are college students). With so many college students right here, the town has a younger, vibrant really feel and there’s a number of inexpensive eating places and bars. (And, like in all places on the coast, there’s easy accessibility to nature.)

Listed here are my advised issues to see and do in Umeå:

Västerbottens Museum – Right here you’ll be able to discover the cultural and pure historical past of the Västerbotten area, from native traditions to its maritime heritage. There are paperwork, textiles, and over 8 million pictures right here. The museum additionally options an open-air part with historic buildings from throughout the nation.

Guitars the Museum – Guitars homes one of many world’s largest personal collections of guitars and rock memorabilia, with an emphasis on the Fifties and 60s. Even for those who don’t know lots about guitars (I actually don’t), it’s nonetheless a cool place to go to as you’ll be taught a ton in regards to the rock and roll scene. Guided excursions can be found, which I extremely advocate as you’ll get way more out of the expertise.

Kulturväven –Kulturväven is Umeå’s cultural hub, internet hosting every little thing from concert events and performances to artwork exhibitions and group occasions. Inside, you’ll discover a library, cinema, and occasion areas. Test the web site to see what’s on throughout your go to as there may be all the time tons occurring.

Umedalens Skulpturpark – This can be a huge outside artwork park that includes sculptures by famend Swedish and worldwide artists. The works are set towards a serene backdrop of meadows, forests, and open landscapes. It’s free to go to.

Hike – From brief woodland walks to longer routes alongside rivers and hills, there’s a number of hikes across the space. Widespread hikes embody sections of Isälvsleden, a 60-kilometer path that follows an previous glacier path (you are able to do it in sections); Tavelsjöleden, which boasts a number of caves and mountaintops; and Holmörundan, a 13-kilometer hike on the close to island Holmön. To get these trails although, you’ll must hire a automobile.

Strömbäck Kont – This nature reserve simply south of Umeå is well accessible by (rare) buses for those who don’t have a automobile. The reserve blends easy rock outcrops, sandy coves, and quiet pine forests, providing a mixture of trails that vary from rugged to stroller-friendly. There’s a number of bays round, you’ll be able to go swimming, and, relying on the time of 12 months, gorge on wild blueberries.

Strandpromenaden – Strandpromenaden is a soothing riverside walkway good for a stroll, full with benches and cafés alongside the best way. The trail connects a number of elements of Umeå, making it a pleasing approach to get across the metropolis on foot. I got here right here at sundown and it was particularly fairly, with golden mild reflecting off the river.

The place to Keep – Hotell Björken is correct subsequent to the college and is only a five-minute drive to the central station. The rooms are trendy, fashionable, and well-lit and the lodge received’t break the financial institution both.

For locations to eat, try Bodegan and Eljest. Facit Bar is a superb spot for creative drinks.

Day 5: Örnsköldsvik

Head south to Örnsköldsvik, the gateway to the Excessive Coast. Referred to as “Ö-vik” by locals, Örnsköldsvik is a coastal city identified for its combine of outside journey and fashionable business, with mountain climbing, kayaking, and snowboarding all inside straightforward attain. There’s not lots to do right here so I like to recommend simply spending one night time within the city.

Right here’s some advised issues to see and do throughout your go to:

Excessive Coast Path – This 130-kilometer path takes 5–7 days to finish however covers the whole Excessive Coast, making it an epic and extremely scenic journey over mountains, rugged coastlines, and forests. If you’d like a shorter hike, it’s potential to simply hike sections of it. There’s a number of choices.

Kayaking & Swimming – The waters listed below are calm and there’s heaps to see across the archipelago. A two-hour rental is 300 SEK, whereas tandem kayaks price 400 SEK. In the event you desire to swim, Gullviks havsbad is one of the best seashore within the space. It’s a sandy seashore with volleyball nets, meals close by, and a BBQ space.

The place to Keep – In the event you’re staying on the town, you’ll be able to keep at Elite Plaza Lodge, which is a good looking lodge on the harbor with an enormous and scrumptious breakfast. If you wish to keep out of city, FriluftsByn is an expansive campsite with a terrific restaurant and bar and a scorching spot for campers and roadtrippers.

Day 6: Skuleskogen Nationwide Park

Skuleskogen Nationwide Park, set alongside Sweden’s Excessive Coast, is a sprawling wilderness the place historical forests meet the rugged Baltic shoreline. Visiting right here was simply the spotlight of my current journey. Positioned simply thirty minutes south of Örnsköldsvik, this park spans over 7,400 acres and has birch and pine forests, marshes, coastal seashores, granite mountains, and superior views of the Baltic.

The spotlight of the park is Slåttdalsskrevan, a large rock crevice that cuts by way of the bedrock. It’s round 200 meters lengthy and 30 meters deep. For security causes, you’ll be able to’t stroll by way of it anymore however, for those who come through the north facet, you get a greater view and may stroll in slightly bit. (The south entrance is totally closed off.)

You would simply spend a number of days right here for those who wish to hike and camp, however at a minimal you’ll need one full day. That can assist you take advantage of your go to, listed below are a number of ideas and issues:

1. There are three entrances: South, North, and West, with the South gate being the busiest. Get there early for those who’re driving because the parking zone may be very small. To get to the park, you’ll undoubtedly want a automobile. There are not any different choices.
2. The South gate path to Slåttdalsskrevan is the shortest, nonetheless, the West gate path supplies one of the best range of landscapes (and fewest crowds).
3. If you’d like a soothing hike, the coastal path isn’t strenuous and has serene pebble seashores, rocky headlands, and quiet pine forests. It sees the fewest hikers too.
4. Mountain climbing north to south (or vice versa) takes about 5 hours. Doing the South Gate to the crevice and again takes round three hours. There and again on the West path is about 4 hours. I’m fairly match and hike a bit quick so take that into consideration however I discovered the paths lots simpler than the advised occasions (I finished lots for photographs and video content material).
5. Carry your personal meals and water as there are not any services when you’re inside. Double test the climate too so you’ll be able to costume appropriately.
6. In the event you’re visiting in summer time, deliver bug spray as I discovered there to be a great deal of mosquitoes.

Day 7 & 8: Sundsvall

Dwelling to simply below 60,000 folks, Sundsvall is only a 90-minute drive south of Skuleskogen Nationwide Park. After being devastated by hearth in 1888, the town was rebuilt virtually completely in stone, incomes its elegant nickname Stenstaden (“the Stone Metropolis”). Perched between forested hills and the Gulf of Bothnia (the northern a part of the Baltic Sea), the town was traditionally a hub of the timber and paper industries. Immediately, it’s finest identified for its easy accessibility to outside actions like mountain climbing, snowboarding, and exploring the close by Excessive Coast.

Some issues to see and do throughout your go to embody:

Kulturmagasinet (The Tradition Warehouse) – This cultural middle is housed in previous harbor warehouses which have been transformed right into a museum, library, and artwork area. Inside, guests can discover exhibitions on Sundsvall’s historical past and native artwork, in addition to soak up momentary exhibitions and occasions. Make sure you test the web site for the newest occasions. 

Norra Berget (The Northern Mountain) – That is an open-air museum and park situated on a hill overlooking the town. It options 40 historic buildings from across the area, together with picket homes and farmsteads. There are many reveals that showcase historic life and tradition in northern Sweden. It’s a extremely great place to deliver youngsters.

Himlabadet Water Park – This family-friendly water park has indoor swimming pools, saunas, and a number of water slides. There’s a small toddler space, a climbing wall that curves out over the pool, and even a browsing simulator that allows you to attempt your hand at browsing actual waves.

Sidsjön Lake – Only a 10-minute drive from the town middle, Sidsjön is a peaceable lake surrounded by strolling and biking trails. In summer time, you’ll be able to swim, fish, and paddle right here, making it the right place to lounge away a day (for those who’re visiting in winter, you’ll be able to skate or cross-country ski right here).

Alnön Island – Linked to Sundsvall by a bridge, Alnön is thought for its sandy seashores and volcanic geology. The island is ideal for a day journey, providing swimming, small villages to discover, and scenic drives.

The place to Keep – Lilla Hotellet is an inexpensive locally-owned three-star lodge. It’s quiet, small, and has a comfortable breakfast nook the place you’ll be able to refill earlier than you head out to discover.

Day 8 & 9: Uppsala

Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest metropolis, is just below 4 hours south of Sundsvall by automobile. It’s a vigorous, energetic metropolis dwelling to virtually 250,000 folks and is thought for its massive scholar inhabitants (Uppsala College is right here, a prestigious college based within the 15^th century). Owing to its massive scholar inhabitants (and bigger inhabitants typically), there’s way more to see and do right here past simply having fun with nature and there’s loads of inexpensive eating places and bars.

Listed here are a few of my favourite issues to do:

Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrkan) – Scandinavia’s largest church, this spectacular Gothic construction dates again to the thirteenth century. It’s the ultimate resting place of Swedish kings, scientists, and archbishops, with hovering spires that dominate the town’s skyline. Inside, guests can discover ornate chapels, admire medieval frescoes, and see the tombs of King Gustav Vasa and Carl Linnaeus (a well-known scientist often called “the daddy of recent taxonomy”).

Uppsala College & Gustavianum – Based in 1477, that is Sweden’s oldest college. With over 50,000 college students, it’s a large establishment with heaps to see and do in its personal proper. The Gustavianum Museum, for instance, showcases artifacts and Viking treasures. In the event you’re on a finances, this space of city is the place you’re going to need to eat as all the most affordable bars and eating places are right here.

Uppsala Citadel (Uppsala Slott) – A Renaissance-era fort overlooking the town, Uppsala Citadel was as soon as the positioning of royal coronations and political intrigue. The fort was really constructed after a peasant rebellion, as King Vasa I made a decision extra fortifications have been wanted to stop future uprisings. Immediately, it’s dwelling to museums and exhibitions the place you’ll be able to discover the unique stays of the primary fort constructed right here, be taught in regards to the fort’s historical past, and even admire historic artwork.

Botanical Backyard & Linnaeus Backyard – Courting again to the 18th century, that is the biggest botanical backyard of its variety in Sweden. The Linnaeus Backyard, a reconstruction of famed botanist Carl Linnaeus’s personal 18th-century instructing backyard, affords perception into how he categorized species throughout his time as a botanist. In spring and summer time, these gardens are significantly vigorous and colourful, making for a chilled place to calm down with a e book or take a stroll when the solar is shining.

Gamla Uppsala (Outdated Uppsala) – Simply north of the town, this historical web site options huge Viking burial mounds, a museum, and a church that was as soon as a pagan non secular middle. This was a key political and religious web site through the Viking Age, with ties to Norse mythology and early Swedish kings. Guests can climb the burial mounds for sweeping views of the panorama. If you wish to dive deeper into Viking-era historical past, the small Gamla Uppsala Museum is a brief however worthwhile cease.

Carolina Rediviva Library – The college’s major library, housing treasures just like the Codex Argenteus (“Silver Bible”). Constructed within the nineteenth century, it is without doubt one of the largest analysis libraries in Scandinavia, with over 5 million volumes. Its exhibitions show uncommon manuscripts, maps, and early printed books. For anybody inquisitive about historical past, literature, or uncommon artifacts, this library is a must-see (for those who’re not a historical past buff, although, you’ll be able to most likely skip it).

The place to Keep – In the event you’re backpacking, Uppsala Metropolis Hostel is one of the best hostel within the metropolis. Whereas the bunks are primary, it’s in a terrific location so you’ll be able to simply get round. In the event you desire a lodge, Botanika Uppsala is situated proper subsequent to the botanical backyard, which is the oldest within the nation.

This journey is finest performed by automobile, however it is also performed by practice and bus for those who don’t need to hire a automobile. And, relying how a lot you need to hike, you’ll be able to simply add in additional days (there are a ton of multi-day hikes right here, in spite of everything). Plus, there’s loads of islands within the archipelago to cease at, so you can actually flip this itinerary right into a multi-week journey for those who wished. It’s actually as much as you!

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